Apparatus for joining pipes in a hostile environment

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for joining the ends of two work pipes in a generally hostile environment and wherein the pipes are generally not parallel. The method includes loosely mounting work couplings on each of the work pipe ends and with each of the work couplings having biased flanges arranged to accommodate the bend which will occur in the pipe when the coupling is completed and wherein the couplings will have to be rotated relative to each other to arrive at the proper angular relationship therebetween. The work pipes are moved to the position such that the axes thereof intersect. The method includes constructing a model, preferably in a favorable environment, which is positionally representative of the work pipe ends and work couplings. Thereafter, the model couplings are manipulated to the mating position by trial and error. Preferably, the model couplings will be dimensionally representative of the work couplings and both the work couplings and the model couplings will have identical indicia, such as numerals, marked thereon. Once the mated position of the model couplings is known, the relative position of the indicia thereon is utilized to similarly manipulate the work couplings to the mating position, to thereby eliminate trial and error in aligning the work couplings in the hostile environment.

United States Patent White, Jr. et al.

1151 3,707,025 1 51 Dec. 26, 1972 [54] APPARATUS FOR JOINING PIPES IN A HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT [721 Inventors: William E. White, In; Lloyd E.

Billingsly, both of Houston, Tex.

[73] Assignee: Hydro Tech Services, Inc., Houston,

Tex.

[22] Filed: Aug. 20, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 65,648

52 Us. (:1 ..29/200 P 511 int. Cl. ..B23p 19/00 58 Field of Search..29/234, 282, 280, 200 P, 200 .1;

285/363, 405, 414, 417, 41s, DIG. 2, mo. 1

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,859,052 11/1958 Corbeels. ...285/363 2,871,035 1/1959 Kaiser ..285/363 3,317,221 5/1967 Brown ..285/363 3,567,258 3/1971 Scaramucci ..285/363 3,589,750 6/1971 Dunmire ..285/363 3,603,616 9/1972 Smith ..-..28S/363 1,526,336 211925 Hart ..2ss/40s 3,466,064 9/1969 Fulton ..285/4l4 3,575,675 4/1971 Hirsch ..285/414 Primary Examiner-Thomas l-l. Eager Attorney-Paul E. Harris and Lee R. Larkin ABSTRACT Apparatus for joining the ends of two work pipes in a generally hostile environment and wherein the pipes are generally not parallel. The method includes loosely mounting work couplings on each of the work pipe ends and with each of the work couplings having biased flanges arranged to accommodate the bend which will occur in the pipe when the coupling is completed and wherein the couplings will have to be rotated relative to each other to arrive at the proper angular relationship therebetween. The work pipes are moved to the position such that the axes thereof intersect. The method includes constructing a model, preferably in a favorable environment, which is positionally representative of the work pipe ends and work couplings. Thereafter, the model couplings are manipulated to the mating position by trial and error. Preferably, the model couplings will be dimensionally representative of the work couplings and both the work couplings and the model couplings will have identical indicia, such as numerals, marked thereon. Once the mated position of the model couplings is known, the relative position of the indicia thereon is utilized" to similarly manipulate the work couplings to the mating position, to thereby eliminate trial and error in aligning the work couplings in the hostile environment.

8 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEU DEC 2e '97? SHEET 2 [IF 2 ATTOR/Vf) APPARATUS FOR JOINING PIPES IN A I-IOS'IILE ENVIRONMENT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention generally relates to apparatus for joining two sections of misaligned pipe. More particularly, this invention relates to apparatus for joining the ends of two misaligned pipes in a hostile environment.

2. Description of the Prior Art It is sometimes necessary to join the ends of two pipes in a hostile environment, such as in a body of water. For example, when connecting two pipes under water, the activity attendant to construction of a pipeline often stirs up silt and mud from the bottom of the body of water. The silt or mud thus stirred up hampers the activity of the divers attempting to join the two pieces of pipe. It is difficult for the divers to accurately align and join the pipe ends when the equipment and pipes are obscured by the stirred-up mud. Also, it is extremely difficult for the divers to manipulate large heavy pieces of pipe or attendant equipment under a body of water. Divers can remain under water for only relatively brief work periods. The work is often exhausting and sometimes the connection made is not accurate due to the inaccuracy of measurements and difficulty experienced by divers in handling the heavy equipment. Methods heretofore used were essentially the same as those used in connecting pipe in favorable environments, which methods are not fully satisfactory in a hostile environment such as an underwater location. Generally speaking, the work couplings have heretofore been aligned by trial and error, which is very difficult in the sub-sea location.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved apparatus for joining the ends of two pipes in a hostile environment.

This invention includes loosely mounting work coupling means on each of the submerged pipe ends. A model is constructed in a more favorable environment, which model is positionally representative of the work pipe ends and work coupling means. The model coupling means are then manipulated to the mating position for joining the model pipe ends. The work pipe ends and work coupling means in the hostile environment are then manipulated to the same mating position as the model pipe ends and coupling means and joined by securing the coupling means together and to the pipe ends. The method is particularly useful in joining pipes, the axes of which intersect at an angle, and where the coupling means are in the form of couplings having flanges that are biased to the axis of the coupling.

Certain embodiments of the invention include the steps of aligning the pipe ends and coupling means,

whereby the central axes of the pipes intersect, and

rotating at least one of the coupling means-about the axis of the pipe on which the coupling means is mounted.

The method may include the step of determining the vertical relationship of the pipes by placing a round object inside one of the pipe ends, whereby gravity causes the object to roll to the bottom position to thereby indicate the vertical relationship. Data concerning the Hill! minimum and maximum intervals of the pipe ends and the relationship thereof to the vertical is communicated to the remote location, and data concerning the position of the indicia on said mated mode] coupling is communicated from the remote location to the hostile environment.

The invention may be utilized to perform procedure in a hostile environment with a maximum of accuracy and minimum of expense. Use of the invention requires workmen to remain in the hostile environment for only a minimum period of time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention may befurther understood by referenceto the drawings, in which:

FIG. l is an isometric view of the ends of two work pipes and associated workcouplings located in a subsea position, showing the center line axes of the two pipes intersecting.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the two pipe ends and associated work couplings of FIG. 1, showing the couplings moved to the mating position.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view in partial section of two pipe ends and associated coupling means, showing restraining and moving mechanisms associated with the work couplings and pipes.

FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view in side elevation showing the details of construction of the coupling means which may be used with the invention.

FIG. 5 is a combined schematic view of a remote location for a model of the pipe ends and coupling means and isometric view of the model constructed at such remote location.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1, the ends of two pipes 11, which are to be joined and which are located in a sub-sea location, are shown with loosely fitted coupling means, conveniently taking the form of work couplings l2. Couplings 12 include a cylindrical body 13 and a bias flange 14, with each flange being set at an angle of 10 away from the perpendicular with respect to the central axis of the coupling. Body 13 of coupling 12 is provided with means forattaching coupling 12 to pipe 11,-as, for example, hydraulically actuated slip 16 as shown in FIG. 4. An annular slip 16 is disposed at one end of recess 15 between body 13 and pipe 11, as shown in FIG. 4. Spacer ring 17 is included between slip 16 and annular packing 18. A piston assembly comprising an inner annular portion 19, attached to coupling body 13, and piston 20, located within cavity 22 formed between portion 19 and body 13, is arranged to move slip l6,

spacer ring 17 and annular packing 18 axially .out-

wardly toward the radially inwardly sloping surface of the bowl 21 of body 13. Piston 20 is arranged to be moved axially outwardly toward bowl 21 by means of fluid pressure injected into cavity 22 through inlet 23 from any appropriate source. As pressure is applied to cavity 22, annular packing l8, spacer ring 17 and slip 16 are forced toward bowl 21. Slip 16 engages the outside surface of pipe 11 and backing 18 is compressed into fluid-tight engagement with pipe 1 l.

Couplings 12 are each provided with a bias flange 14, which flanges are arranged for mating engagement with each other when placed in parallel planes. At least one of the flanges 14 may include a compressible O-ring 35 which is received in a circular groove on the face thereof, which seals the connection between couplers 12. The plane of flange 14 is canted at an angle with respect to body 13, which angle enables connection to be made between pipes whose central axes are not parallel. Ideally, the plane of-flange 14 is canted about l from normal to the central axis of body 13. The angular bias offlange 14 is illustrated by its relation to a plane 32 (shown by dotted lines in FIG. 1) normal to the central axis of body 13. Optionally, one of the flanges 14 may be constructed to rotate relative to the coupling to which it is attached to facilitate line-up of bolt holes.

As shown in FIG. 3,.when couplings 12 have been loosely mounted on pipes 11, keeper clamps 36 are initially affixed to the .ends of pipes 11 and anchor clamps 24 may be attached behind couplings 12 on pipes 11. Keeperclamps 36 restrain couplings 12 from falling off the ends of pipes 11 during manipulation thereof. Anchor clamps 24 provide a connection point on pipes 11 for hydraulic rams 25, which are connected at opposite ends to lugs 26 on couplings 12. Rams 25 utilize a pressure source such as air (not shown) to move the heavy couplings about on pipes 1 1.

Next, the pipes are put in position so that their central axes intersect. The presence of properly intersecting central axes is determined by alignment of the centerline wands 56, coincident with the respective central axes of pipes 11, to intersect, as shown in FIG. 1. Each wand 56 is supported by a four-legged support 27 attached to pipe 11 by lock screws 28. Each wand 56 may be moved axially or held firmly in place with respect to pipe 11 by loosening or tightening a set screw 34 in a hub 29 at the intersection of the four legs of support 27. A diver may issue instructions to the operators of lifting equipmenton the surface to move pipes 11 to properly align centerline wands 56 or, in the case of small pipes, the diver may align pipes 11 manually.

After pipes 11 are positioned so that their central axes intersect, as shown by the intersection of wands 56, the position of pipes 11, relative to each other and to the vertical, is ascertained. The positional relationship of pipes 1 1 to each other is determined by measuring the distances of minimum and maximum 'gaps between the circumferences of the ends of pipes 11, shown in FIG. 1 by the intersection of the dotted lines A-A and 8-8 with the respective circumferences of the ends of pipes 11. Next, the verticality of the plane containing these four maximum-minimum points (depicted by the legends MAX and MIN in FIG. 1) is determined by inserting a roller 30 in the end of pipe 11, with roller 30 having the longitudinal axis thereof parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe into which roller 30 is inserted. Gravity will move roller 30 to the lowermost vertical point of the end of pipe 11 (shown .by the intersection of line C and circumference of pipe 11 in FIG. 1). Then, the distance between the lowermost point and either a maximum or minimum point onimum and minimum gap intervals of pipes 11 in the hostile environment are transferred or communicated to a remote location, such as a boat or barge 31 overlying the work pipe, as shown in FIG. 5.At the remote location, a modeL'generally designated by the numeral 40, is constructed, which model is representative of the positional relationship of pipes l 1 and couplings 12, by reference to the aforesaid measurements. Model pipe ends 41' are held positionally by a pair of friction swivel mounts 42 which are mounted on a base 43. A model coupling 44 is slipped over each of model pipe ends 41. Model coupling 44 is comprised of a body 45 and a bias flange portion 46, proportionally identical to body 13 and bias flange 14 of work coupling 12. The measurements from the hostile environment are proportionallyapplied to model 40, and the model parts are positioned relative to the vertical and to each other to positionally represent work pipe ends 11 in the hostile environment.

Work couplings l2 and model couplings 44 are provided with indicia 33 and 47 about the periphery of flanges 14 and 46, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 1 and- 5. These indicia may take the form of numbers arranged in clock-faced fashion about the coupling flanges. For example, the number 6 may be placed at the point of the major angle of the bias flange and the number 12 at the minor angle. Indicia 33 and 47 allow couplings 12 to be aligned properly by remote instruction.

When the information regarding verticality and gap measurements is received at remote location 3l'and model 40 has been constructed, model couplings 44 are manipulated and rotated by trial and error on the ends of model pipes 41 until flanges 46 are parallel and touching each other along their full circumferences. At that point, indicia 47 on each of model couplings 44 are aligned in unique positions opposite each other and with respect to a maximum or minimum proximate point on model pipe 41 and a maximum or minimum point of verticality on model pipe 41. The relationship of the indicia to each other and to the maximum or minimum verticality points on pipe 41 is communicated to the diver or worker inthe hostile environment. For example, an instruction from the site of the model could be, Align mark 8 on the northernmost coupling with the low vertical point on the northernmost pipe. Then align mark 4 on the southernmost coupling with mark 8 on the northernmost coupling.

Pursuant to the instructions received from remote model site 31 and after having removed clamps 36, the operator in the hostile environment either manipulates couplings 12 by hand or directs lifting equipment on the surface to perform the manipulations. Rams 25, actuated from the surface or with equipment at the site may be utilized to manipulate couplers l2 responsive to directions from the operator in the hostile environment. The manipulations are performed on couplings 12 (such as the rotation thereof about its longitudinal axis and axial sliding thereof toward the open end of pipe 11 on which coupling 12 is mounted) to put couplings 12 in the mating attitude (as shown in FIG. 2) positionally identical to the attitude of model couplings 44. At this time, suitable means such as bolts 34, as shown in FIG. 4, may be utilized to sealingly en gage couplings 12 together at flanges 14.

After couplings 12 have been joined, pressure conduits (not shown) are connected to inlet 12 of each coupling 12, preparatory to permanently joining couplings 12 to pipes 11 on which couplings 12 have heretofore been only loosely mounted. Fluid under pressure is injected through inlet 23, causing annular piston to move axially therein. As piston 20 moves axially therein, slip 16, spacer ring 17 and packing 18 move axially toward radially inwardly slanted bowl 21.

of coupler l2. Bowl 21' forces slip 16 radially inward into grasping engagement with pipe 11 and compresses packing 18 into sealing engagement with pipe 11. The joining process permanently and rigidly affixes each coupler 12 on its respective pipe 11 and completes the joining of the two pipes. The fluid injected against piston 20 may be an epoxy material which will set up after a specified time period.

Thus it can be seen that a rapid and accurate alignment and joining apparatus and method is shown for joining pipes in a hostile environment. This apparatus and method eliminates the trial and error method of mating the work couplings in the hostile environment. Time spend by operators in the hostile environment is reduced dramatically and time is saved in utilization of expensive equipment. This description of the apparatus and method is to be construed as illustrative only, and other alternatives and embodiments of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description.

What is claimed is:

1. In apparatus for connecting the ends of two pipes whose axes intersect, the combination comprising:

a pair of oversliding connectors arranged for positioning over said ends of said pipes;

said connectors having flange portions on the adjacent ends thereof when positioned upon said pipe ends;

an anchor clamp arranged for connection to each of said pipes adjacent and axially spaced from the outermost ends of each of said connectors;

means connected between each of said clamps and said adjacent connector for exerting a force therebetween to move said connectors relative to said pipes.

2. The invention as claimed in claim I wherein each of said force exerting means includes:

at least one hydraulic ram connected between said clamp and said adjacent connector.

3. In apparatus for connecting the ends of two pipes, the combination comprising:

a pair of oversliding connectors arranged for posiwhich intersect the axes of said housings at acute minor angles;

and means selectively attachable to the end portions of said pipes for physically representing the center lines of said pipes.

4. The invention as claimed in claim 3 wherein said center line representing means includes:

a support assembly arranged for connection to the end of said pipes; I and, an elongate member carried by said support assembly and arranged to lie coincident with the center line of said pipe when said support member is connected to said pipe.

5. In apparatus for connecting the ends of two pipes,

the combination comprising:

a pair of oversliding connectors arranged for positioning over said ends of said pipes;

said connectors having flange portions on the adjacent ends thereof when positioned uponsaid pipe ends, said flange portions defining planes which intersect the axes of said housings at acute minor angles;

and each of said connectors having a series of individually discrete symbols positioned circumferentially thereabout to allow alignment of said connectors in a predetermined rotational relationship by reference to said symbols.

6. The invention as claimed in claim 5, wherein:

said minor acute angles are approximately 7. In apparatus for connecting the ends of two pipes,

the combination comprising:

a pair of oversliding connectors arranged for positioning said ends of pipes;

said connectors having flange portions on the adjacent ends thereof when positioned upon said pipe ends, said flange portions defining planes which intersect the axes of said housings at acute minor angles;

each of said connectors having a series of individually discrete symbols positioned circumferentially thereabout to allow alignment of said connectors in a predetermined rotational relationship by reference to said symbols;

and means selectively attachable to the end portions of said pipes for physically representing the center lines of said pipes.

8. The invention as claimed in claim 7 including:

a pair of anchor clamps, each of which is arranged for connection to one of said pipes at a point axially spaced from the outermost ends of each of said connectors;

and means connected between each of said clamps and said adjacent connector for exerting a force therebetween to move said connectors relative to said pipes.

U. S. PATENT OFFICE UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3 7 7 5 v I Dated 12-26-22 William E. White, 'Jr. r I

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 2, line 6'4, after the word "and" should read:

packing 18 is compressed Column 3, line 6 after the word "and" should read:

line A-A is represented in FIG.- 1 by" Column 5, line 2, after the word "to" should read:

inlet 23 of each line 23,, after the first word "Time"l should read:

spent :by operators in the hostile: environment is Signed and sealed this 17th day of April 1973.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. RO BEI IT COTTSCHALK Attescing Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. In apparatus for connecting the ends of two pipes whose axes intersect, the combination comprising: a pair of oversliding connectors arranged for positioning over said ends of said pipes; said connectors having flange portions on the adjacent ends thereof when positioned upon said pipe ends; an anchor clamp arranged for connection to each of said pipes adjacent and axially spaced from the outermost ends of each of said connectors; means connected between each of said clamps and said adjacent connector for exerting a force therebetween to move said connectors relative to said pipes.
 2. The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of said force exerting means includes: at least one hydraulic ram connected between said clamp and said adjacent connector.
 3. In apparatus for connecting the ends of two pipes, the combination comprising: a pair of oversliding connectors arranged for positioning over said ends of said pipes; said connectors having flange portions on the adjacent ends thereof when positioned upon said pipe ends, said flange portions defining planes which intersect the axes of said housings at acute minor angles; and means selectively attachable to the end portions of said pipes for physically representing the center lines of said pipes.
 4. The invention as claimed in claim 3 wherein said center line representing means includes: a support assembly arranged for connection to the end of said pipes; and, an elongate member carried by said support assembly and arranged to lie coincident with the center line of said pipe when said support member is connected to said pipe.
 5. In apparatus for connecting the ends of two pipes, the combination comprising: a pair of oversliding connectors arranged for positioning over said ends of said pipes; said connectors having flange portions on the adjacent ends thereof when positioned upon said pipe ends, said flange portions defining planes which intersect the axes of said housings at acute minor angles; and each of said connectors having a series of individually discrete symbols positioned circumferentially thereabout to allow alignment of said connectors in a predetermined rotational relationship by reference to said symbols.
 6. The invention as claimed in claim 5, wherein: said minor acute angles are approximately 80*.
 7. In apparatus for connecting the ends of two pipes, the combination comprising: a pair of oversliding connectors arranged for positioning said ends of pipes; said connectors having flange portions on the adjacent ends thereof when positioned upon said pipe ends, said flange portions defining planes which intersect the axes of said housings at acute minor angles; each of said connectors having a series of individually discrete symbols positioned circumferentially thereabout to allow alignment of said connectors in a predetermined rotational relationship by reference to said symbols; and means selectively attachable to the end portions of said pipes for physically representing the center lines of said pipes.
 8. The invention as claimed in claim 7 including: a pair of anchor clamps, each of which is arranged for connection to one of said pipes at a point axially spaced from the outermost ends of each of said connectors; and means connected between each of said clamps and said adjacent connector for exerting a force therebetween to move said connectors relative to said pipes. 